In a collaboration with Budweiser dubbed BUDXLAFERIA RENOVABLE, the project included carefully retrofitting the historical structure with 35 photovoltaic panels on the roof and in the main wall. In total the facility will produce 1299 kWh of energy monthly – more than enough to power its strobe lighting, cool down overheated clubgoers, run the sound system and provide all other electrical needs. This translates to a saving of 6.51 tons of CO2 annually that would have been otherwise emitted into the atmosphere – more than what five houses would consume.

“Chile is at the forefront of sustainability in
the region and probably the world,” says Budweiser brand director Andrés
Chaveyriat, who goes on to admit that that philosophy hadn’t permeated the bar
scene, however – until now. “We hope this initiative can inspire and motivate
other clubs in Chile and that in a few years [those that] operate on renewable
energy are the rule and not the exception.”

Source: Lonely Planet

The undertaking is part of a larger commitment
by Budweiser to transform its global production by 2025 to 100% clean energy.
(Right now, every Bud beer sold in Chile
is produced using clean energy, and soon the company will begin producing beer
there.) A few months ago the company, which cites electronic music as one of
its brand pillars, approached La Feria’s owner Fernando Diaz with an idea to
transform his nightclub into a tangible symbol of sustainability, and Diaz was
fully on board. “We were thrilled to see all of our effort, time and dedication
come to life in this very unique project,” Chaveyriat says.

The switchover happened on 30 May at a
reopening attended by more than 400 guests. A video screening that documented
the process from the initial plans to the installation was followed by a lever
shifting that officially changed the energy source; English techno and house DJ
Damian Lazarus spun the tunes throughout the evening.

Source: Lonely Planet

Admittedly, La Feria is just one building in
one little corner of the world. But Chaveyriat sees the impact of this enterprise
as much greater. “BUDXLAFERIA RENOVABLE is a milestone that shows us that
choosing renewable energy is an everyday decision that every consumer can
make,” he declares. “With this initiative, going green and living responsibly
looks less like something difficult to achieve.” Rave on.